Breath-powered vapor distribution device

ABSTRACT

Device embodiments use a person&#39;s exhaled breath to distribute an evaporated, sublimated, or vaporized material. The disclosure provides non-powered devices that use evaporation or sublimation to create the vapor that is distributed and the disclosure provides devices with electric vaporizers which rapidly vaporize liquid scent materials for distribution. The scent can be designed as a masking or cover scent, an aromatic lure scent, a scent elimination material, a pleasant scent for freshening air in a room or automobile, or a repellant scent. The device can be worn as a mask. The device can be handheld or disposed at an area remote from the user&#39;s mouth with the breath blown in through a tube.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. Nos.: 62/151,989 filed Apr. 23, 2015; 62/156,023 filedMay 1, 2015; 62/163,603 filed May 19, 2015; 62/266,391 filed Dec. 11,2015; 62/275,559 filed Jan. 6, 2016; 62/276,121 filed Jan. 7, 2016;62/286,221 filed Jan. 22, 2016; 62/290,743 filed Feb. 3, 2016;62/298,913 filed Feb. 23, 2016; the disclosures of each are incorporatedherein by reference. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/941,428 filed Nov. 13, 2015, now U.S.Pat. No. 9,426,977; the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Technical Field

This disclosure generally relates to apparatus and methods for creatingand distributing a vapor using a person's exhalation or breath todistribute the vaporized material. More particularly, this disclosurerelates to a mask worn by a human in order to use the human exhalationto distribute a masking scent. More particularly, this disclosurerelates to an electronic vaporizer that creates a vapor which isdistributed by an airflow generated by the user's breath. The devicesand methods of the disclosure can be used with scent materials used toattract game, scent materials used to repel game, or with vaporizablematerials that eliminate or substantially reduce scents given off by aperson that are not desired during a hunt.

2. Background Information

Individuals who engage in activities such as hunting, photography, orstudies of animals in their natural habitat are well acquainted with thedifficulty in approaching wild life without alerting the wildlife to theindividual's presence. Most animals have well-developed senses of sightand smell, and individuals attempting to approach wildlife in itsnatural habitat must camouflage their visual image and mask or eliminatetheir odor. One of the primary odors detected by animals is the odorcarried in the exhalation of the individual.

While eliminating the odor of the wearer is important to hide thepresence of the wearer, it is also important that the wearer retain theability to detect odors in their environment. In a potentially hostileenvironment, individuals must maintain the fullest use of their senses.

A variety of masks are available to assist individuals to remainundetected when approaching wildlife. For example, U.S. Pat. No.5,091,996 to Kirby discloses a camouflage face mask which is positionedin a close fitting relationship to the skin of an individual's face.While the mask disclosed by Kirby may be worn with relative comfort andenables visual concealment of the individual from nearby animals, themask does not disclose means by which the odor of the individual isconcealed from nearby wildlife. U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,189 to Blutstein andU.S. Pat. No. 4,285,068 to Ross both disclose camouflage devicessuitable for wearing about the head which prevent visual detection ofthe hunter by nearby wildlife, but neither Ross or Blutstein address theconcealment or elimination of odors contained in the exhalation of anindividual so as to prevent detection of the odor of the individual bynearby wildlife.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,541 to Dearstine discloses a warm air maskcomprising a facial covering which encompasses the nose and mouth of awearer, the mask having a plurality of oval inhale ports which extendthrough the mask such that, as the wearer inhales, the inhale ports areopened. Upon subsequent exhalation by the wearer, the inhale ports closeand an exhale port opens. Upon inhalation, the exhale port closes. Themask disclosed in Dearstine is directed to providing a mask which keepsthe face of the wearer warm and dry, and does not eliminate odors fromthe exhalation of the wearer.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,294 to Rogozinski discloses a face mask impregnatedwith an odor-absorbing material which eliminates organic gaseouscompounds from the air inhaled through the mask, thus reducing thegaseous foul odors inhaled through the mask, thus reducing the wearer'sperception of odors. While this mask enables reduced detection of odorsby the wearer, it does not provide a filtering action for reduction ofodors in the exhalation of the wearer which pass into the ambientatmosphere.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,821 to White discloses a hunting mask with a breathodor control system which includes a face mask having a one-way airintake valve and a tube for conducting a hunter's exhalation from themask to an intake end of an air purification canister. The airpurification canister has, at its other end, a one-way discharge valvesuch that filtered breath may be discharged to the ambient atmosphereonce odors have been removed from the exhalation. The device disclosedby White, while providing a method for filtering odors from theexhalation of a hunter or other individual, is bulky and difficult touse as the purifying canister must be attached to the wearing apparel ofthe individual. This causes discomfort and additional weight which thehunter or other individual must support over a potentially long periodof time.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,236 to Sesselmann discloses a variety of articles ofclothing which absorb odors emanating from the portion of the personwhich is substantially surrounded by the clothing, thereby preventingodors from escaping to the atmosphere for detection by nearly wildlife.In particular, Sesselmann discloses a breath shield which is intended tobe placed over the nose and mouth of a wearer which may be integratedinto a larger head covering. The breath shield disclosed by Sesselmanncontains an odor absorbing means in the form of fibers treated withactivated carbon or charcoal. All air inhaled by the wearer of the maskdisclosed by Sesselmann must pass through the odor absorbing material,thereby significantly reducing the ability of the wearer to detect odorsin the surrounding environment. Individuals in remote areas depend upontheir sense of smell to detect odors related to the surroundingenvironment such as smoke, a fetid marsh or the presence of a decayinganimal. The mask disclosed by Sesselmann does not permit full use of thewearer's sense of smell, thus reducing the ability of the wearer toproperly function in a wilderness environment.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,105 to White discloses a hunting mask thateliminates odors from the exhalation of the hunter wearing the mask.Activated charcoal or carbon filters are used in the body of the mask toeliminate the odors from the exhalation.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,167 to Cheng discloses a mask that carries one ormore aromatic capsules that can be opened to allow the person wearingthe mask to smell the fragrances provided by the capsule.

Aromatic materials have long been used by individuals to lure or attractgame animals toward a position desired by the individual. Examples ofaromatic materials include doe urine and sweet smelling items such asapple and corn. In some cases, a hunter spreads the smell of a buck inorder to lure a different buck seeking to defend territory. Other urinesand gland secretions are also used as well as naturally occurring smellsfrom trees and bushes favored by game.

Other uses for scents include cover scents and scents that repel game.Repelling scents can be used to prevent animals from entering or leavingan area.

Other situations where one desires to distribute a scent includefreshening the air in a room or inside an automobile. Some scents areused to ward off insects such as citronella used for mosquitos.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features ofthe claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The disclosure provides device embodiments that use a person's exhaledbreath to distribute an evaporated, sublimated, or vaporized material.The disclosure provides non-powered devices that use evaporation orsublimation to create the vapor that is distributed and the disclosureprovides devices with electric vaporizers which rapidly vaporize liquidscent materials for distribution.

The vaporized material can be rapidly vaporized with an electricvaporizer or slowly vaporized by evaporation or sublimation. The scentcan be designed as a masking or cover scent, an aromatic lure scent, ascent elimination material, a pleasant scent for freshening air in aroom or automobile, or a repellant scent.

The disclosure provides one embodiment in the form of a mask wearable bya human that uses the human's exhalation to distribute a vapor scent.The mask has an exhalation valve through which substantially all of theuser's exhalation exits the mask. The exhalation valve carries amaterial that is mixed with the wearer's exhalation. The material iscarried in a manner than prevents the material from being inhaled by thewearer.

The disclosure provides a mask wearable by a human wherein the maskincludes inhalation and exhalation valves. The inhalation valve allowsthe wearer to draw fresh air into his lungs. When the inhalation valveis open, the exhalation valve is closed. When the wearer exhales, theinhalation valve closes and the exhalation valve is pushed open by theexhalation. A masking scent carrier is disposed immediately downstreamof the exhalation valve member and is immediately contacted by theexhalation as the breath flows out of the exhalation valve. Theexhalation picks up the material from the material carrier and thecombination is distributed into the air.

The mask embodiment also has the features of being impermeable to airother than through and out of the valves and preventing the wearer fromdirectly inhaling the material being distributed.

The disclosure provides a scent distribution device that uses theperson's breath to move vapor that is rapidly vaporized from avaporizing coil through the outlet of the device. This disclosure alsoprovides methods for distributing scents with the user's breath.

The disclosure provides a vaporizing and distribution device that usesan electric heating element to rapidly vaporize a scent material that isprovided as a liquid to the heating element. The scent material caninclude a propylene glycol (PG), a vegetable glycerin (VG), acombination of PG and VG, or a combination of PG or VG and water. Thesesubstances are mixed with an aromatic, repellant, and scent eliminationmaterial that can be added as a solid or a liquid. The aromatic materialcan be a hunting lure or a material having a smell that is pleasant tohumans or a material that repels animals or insects. The solid aromaticmaterial can be a dehydrated material such as dehydrated animal or gameurine such as a deer urine, elk urine, bear urine, or other dehydratedglandular secretions. The liquid aromatic material can be the liquidforms of these materials or scented oils.

The disclosure provides a scent material composition that includes abase that is readily vaporized by an electric resistive heater and ananimal lure aromatic material which can be a dehydrated urine or ananimal material such as gland secretions that attract game. Deer urineis provided as an example. The aromatic material also can be apleasant-smelling material such as a fruit-based material, aflower-based material, or another pleasant-smelling plant or item suchthat the device may be used for an alternative purpose of freshening airin a room or the air in an automobile. These scents also may be used tocover the scents humans leave while entering or exiting hunting grounds.

The disclosure provides one configuration wherein the device is held upto the user's mouth to receive the exhaled breath and anotherconfiguration wherein a tube is used to position the outlet of thedevice away from the user's head so the air and vapor are output awayfrom the user's head. These configuration san include a one-way valve toprevent the user from inhaling the vapor.

The disclosure provides a device having a power button that energizesthe vaporizing coil. The button can be provided as a push on and pushoff or as an on when depressed and off when released style button. Theuser presses down on the button to energize the vaporizing coil tocreate scented vapor. The power button is used to provide an electriccurrent to the vaporizing coil. The disclosure also provides a sensorthat activates the vaporizing coil in response to the user's breath suchthat the user does not need to push a button to activate the device. Apower source such as a battery is carried by the device.

The disclosure provides a device that holds a volume of liquid scentmaterial that is in contact with the vaporizing coil. A wick can be usedto limit the amount of liquid brought into contact with the coil and toprevent the liquid scent material from flowing or dripping out of thedevice.

The device can be disposable or refillable. The device can use removableand replaceable cartridges to allow different scents to be distributed.

Another aspect of the disclosure is a vaporizable material and method ofusing a vaporizable material for scent elimination. The disclosureprovides a vaporizable mixture that includes a percentage of carbon,charcoal, activated carbon, or coconut shell activated carbon, or palmkernel shell charcoal or a combination of these substances. Thecombination of these substances with a vaporizable material such as theglycol materials discussed above allow a scent elimination substance tobe generated to be used by a hunter to eliminate or reduce scents thatcan alert game to the hunter's presence.

The preceding non-limiting aspects, as well as others, are moreparticularly described below. A more complete understanding of theprocesses and the structures of the vaporizing device can be obtained byreference to the accompanying drawings, which are not intended toindicate relative size and dimensions of the assemblies or componentsthereof. In those drawings and the description below, like numericdesignations refer to components of like function. Specific terms usedin that description are intended to refer only to the particularstructure of the embodiments selected for illustration in the drawings,and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a person wearing an exemplary maskconfiguration of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the mask of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the mask of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the mask.

FIG. 5 is a section view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1 with the valveclosed.

FIG. 6 is a section view similar to FIG. 5 with the valve open.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the exhalation valve without the maskbody.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the exhalation valve without the maskbody.

FIGS. 9A-9D depict a plurality of detailed views of the exhalation valvebody.

FIGS. 10A-10C depict a plurality of detailed views of the exhalationvalve diaphragm.

FIGS. 11A-11D depict a plurality of detailed views of the exhalationvalve cap.

FIGS. 12A-12D includes a plurality of detailed views of an exemplaryexhalation valve scent carrier.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an alternative exemplary configurationfor the device of the disclosure.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a battery housing and an example of aswitch that can be used to activate the vaporizing coil.

FIG. 14B is a side view of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of the tank used to hold the liquid scentmaterial.

FIG. 15B is a side view of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of an insert that can carry the burnerand coil used to vaporize the liquid scent material.

FIG. 16B is a side view of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of an adapter that connects the inlettube to the insert.

FIG. 17B is a side view of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of an exemplary configuration for theinlet tube.

FIG. 18B is a side view of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of another alternative exemplaryconfiguration for the breath-powered vapor distribution device.

FIG. 20 is another alternative exemplary configuration for the device ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a side view of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is another alternative exemplary configuration for the device ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a side view of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a schematic of an exemplary sensor that can be used toactivate the device in response to the user's breath blowing into thedevice.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

With reference to FIGS. 1-6, an exemplary configuration of a scentdistributing mask is indicted generally by the numeral 10. As will befurther described, a feature of mask 10 is the exhalation valveconfiguration that allows the wearer to use his breath to distribute ascent from mask 10. The scent can be used to mask the scent of theuser's breath with a scent that is attractive or non-threatening to thegame being stalked or hunter by the person wearing mask 10. The scentcan be designed as a masking or cover scent, an aromatic scent, or arepellant scent. At times, the masking scent may be pleasant to the userbut at other times, the user may not wish to inhale or smell any portionof the masking scent being used to mask his breath. This is an importantconsideration when the hunter is using a urine-based or glandularsecretion product for the masking scent.

In one exemplary configuration, mask 10 exhibits a depth-defining andair impermeable body. In the exemplary configuration, the body isprovided in the form of a two layer construction including an outerfabric layer 12 overlaying an inner rubberized and enclosed perimeterdefining layer 14 integrating a likewise perimeter extending seal 16which is adapted to overlay the nose and mouth of a wearer in thefashion depicted in FIG. 1. A pair of straps are depicted as integralportions 18 and 20 of the fabric layer 12 extending from a middlelocation overlapping the rubberized attached layer 14, the straps 18 and20 have selectively inter-engaging ends 22 and 24 in the form of hookand loop fasteners for affixing mask 10 about the wearer's head (againFIG. 1). Straps 18 and 20 each further depict interior cutoutconfigurations, shown at 26 and 28 by inner cutout area definingsurfaces, for seating around and behind the wearer's ears.

A plurality of valve subassemblies, such as depicted by valvesubassemblies 30, 32, and 34 as best shown in the exploded view of FIG.4, are incorporated into locations along the body. In the exemplaryconfiguration, valve subassemblies 30 and 34 are inhalation valves withvalve subassembly 32 being an exhalation valve. In other configurations,different numbers of inhalation and exhalation valves can be used withmask 10. For example, there can be a plurality of exhalation valves 32.The locations of the valve can be varied compared to the specificexemplary configurations depicted in the drawings.

Each valve subassembly 30, 32 and 34 includes a stem supporting and airpassageway configured base, shown at each of 36, 38 and 40 in theexploded perspective of FIG. 4, with selected base 40 further depictedin cross sectional cutaway in each of FIGS. 5 and 6. As depicted, thebase 36, 38 and 40 each exhibits a desired shape such as cylindrical andwhich is mounted through the mask body, this depicted in FIG. 4 ascorresponding inner extending perimeter surfaces 42, 44 and 46associated with the rubberized inner layer 14 and so that the basecomponents 36, 38 and 40 are in communication with the exterior andinterior surfaces of the mask. Although not shown, the outer fabriclayer 12, depicted in FIGS. 1-3 in mounted overlaying fashion over theinner rubberized layer 14, includes likewise aligning cutout profilesfor mating with the cutout perimeter surfaces 42, 44 and 46 in FIG. 4.

As best shown when viewing FIG. 4 in combination with the reversedperspective of FIG. 3, each base 36, 38 and 40 (and with referencespecifically to selected base 38) exhibits a webbed configuration forfacilitating easy air flow through the base. As further shown, thisincludes in one non-limiting configuration a bottom layer of the base(again referencing selected base 38) as having a plurality ofinterconnecting portions including outer web locations 48 and 50, aninner arcuate supported web 52, and inner-most web locations 54 and 56which collectively establish the desired air flow permeability combinedwith supporting, at an inner most central location, an outwardlyextending stem 58 (see again FIG. 4).

A plurality of flexible diaphragms are shown at each of 60, 62 and 64 inFIG. 4 and are each mounted to an associated stem in seating fashionwithin the associated base 36, 38 and 40. As further best shown in FIG.4, in combination with the linear cutaways of FIGS. 5 and 6, each of thediaphragms, with reference in particular to selected diaphragm 64associated with middle (second) valve subassembly 32, are eachconstructed of a rubberized or deformable material which includes a thinand substantially planar shape portion exhibiting an outline matching aninner facing perimeter of the associated base. A post 66 on eachdiaphragm 60, 62, 64, exhibits a channeled interior extending from theouter and thin planar shape portion and which mounts over thecorresponding supporting stem (for example, stems 58 and 68) forarraying the planar portion of the diaphragm within the bases.

In this fashion, and referencing first the cutaway of FIG. 5, theselected flexible diaphragm is depicted in each of a first sealedconfiguration in which an out ribbed and perimeter extending location 70is depicted in an un-deflected condition. With further reference to FIG.6, the flexible diaphragm is depicted in an inwardly resistingresponsive and arcuate deflected condition such as which results frominhalation inducted by the wearer.

As shown in FIG. 4, it is understood that any one or more of thediaphragms 60, 62, and 66 can be reversibly mounted (as depicted bymiddle selected diaphragm 62) to the corresponding base extending stem58). In this manner, the other selected pair of diaphragms 60 and 64 arearranged in the first position depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, and again inwhich the outer planar shape portion extends radially at an elevatedlocation within the base in an inhalation permitting configuration withthe middle diaphragm 62 being arranged in a second position in which theplanar shape overlays closely the bottom surface of the webbedconstructed and airflow passageway configured base 38, such as furtherproviding the selected valve subassembly with a substantially inhalationpreventing configuration.

Each of the valve subassemblies further includes one or more exteriorengageable caps 72, 78, 84 attachable over an exterior rim of its baseof valve subassembly in each of FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. Each of the caps 72,78, 84 engages upon an exterior side of its associated base (thisfurther best shown by selected cap 84 in the cutaway of FIGS. 5-6 whichincludes an outer most perimeter located and inwardly facing edgeprofile 86 for engaging underneath an outermost lip edge (at 88 of theselected base 40. Each of the caps 72, 78, 84 further exhibits an outercircumferential extending portion and an inner raised portionincorporating a selected number of apertures defined about a perimeterthereof.

Mask 10 described above is worn by the hunter to camouflage his facefrom game and the hunter's breath in inhaled through valves 30 and 34while being exhaled through valve 32. In order to mask the hunter'sbreath from game, mask 10 includes a scent carrier 90 disposed inexhalation valve 32 downstream of diaphragm 62 so that the wearer'sbreath engages scent carrier 90 on the downstream side of diaphragm 62.Locating scent carrier 90 in this position eliminates or substantiallyminimizes the chance of scent being smelled or inhaled by the wearer.The wearer's exhaled breath passes through the exhalation valve almostimmediately after leaving the wearer's body and is still moist and warmwhen coming into contact with scent carrier 90. The exhalation picks upscent from the scent carrier which masks the wearer's breath. The scentparticles are distributed in the air by evaporation or sublimation wherethey are combined with the user's breath. In this exemplaryconfiguration, the user's exhalation does not need to be filtered beforebeing directed into contact with scent carrier 90. Adding the scent tothe user's breath helps prevent game from identifying the hunter bysmelling the hunter's exhalation. In other configurations, a filter canbe used to filter the user's breath prior to bring the exhalation intocontact with scent carrier 90. The filter can be an activated carbonfilter. The scent can be designed as a masking or cover scent, anaromatic scent, or a repellant scent.

Scent carrier 90 can be a porous packet of loose powder; a wettedsponge, a wetted cloth, a wetted mass of fibrous material that holds aliquid-based scent material such as a scent oil; a scented material thatreadily sublimates or evaporates when repeatedly brought into contactwith human exhalation, or a scent-impregnated solid such as ascent-impregnated polymer or wax that releases the scent in response tohuman exhalation. Carrier 90 can be a commercially available type andmay be of a rigid and porous paper base pad which has been previouslyimpregnated with oils of the particular fragrance or scent material.These scent carriers 90 are configured to release the scent or fragrancewithout the need for a powered heater in response to a low flow,relatively warm, and relatively moist human exhalation. Thus, a highflow rate of air nor a high temperature is needed to add the scent tothe exhalation.

In the FIG. 12 configuration of scent carrier 90, a solid disc-shapedbody is provided with a plurality of openings to allow for the passageof exhaled breath and to increase the surface area of carrier 90 forcontact with the exhaled breath. The body of carrier 90 defines aplurality of openings and the outer perimeter edge of the body defines aseries of channels that define air paths between the outer perimeteredge of carrier 90 and the inner sidewall of cap 72. Carrier 90 is asemi-permeable solid that is soaked in a scented liquid (such as ascented oil) or is formed from a polymer impregnated blended with afragrance or a scented material. Carrier 90 can be a moldable polymerthat is impregnated with the scent. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,802,626, 4,598,006,4,095,031, and 3,553,296 are incorporated herein by reference as anexemplary method for forming a scented solid. The user of mask 10 canreplace carrier 90 as needed. The user can replace carrier 90 when thescent has been depleted or when the user wishes to change the scent. Inorder to change scent carrier 90, the user removes cap 72.

Exemplary configurations of additional breath-powered scent distributiondevices that distribute vaporized liquid scent materials are indicatedgenerally by the reference numeral 102 in FIGS. 13-24. The disclosurealso provides a method for distributing a vaporized scent by using theuser's own breath. Devices 192 rapidly vaporize the liquid scentmaterial with an electrically-powered burner that change the liquidscent material to an airborne vapor almost instantly (less than aquarter second) but at least in less than one to two seconds. Devices102 can be activated by the user by pushing a power button or throughthe use of a sensor that activates the device in response to the user'sbreath.

In one exemplary configuration depicted in FIG. 13, device 102 has aninlet tube 104 through which the user blows his breath into device 102.The user's breath is used either to distribute the vaporized liquidscent material, activate the vaporization of the liquid scent material,or both. Inlet tube 104 can be a short tube such as the one found on aduck call and illustrated in FIG. 19 or inlet tube 104 can be anelongated flexible tube such as the examples depicted in FIGS. 13, 18,and 20-23 that allow the outlet 106 of device 102 to be positioned in alocation remote from the user's face. Such a location can be on theuser's clothing such as a belt or a boot. Such a location also can be ona tree stand or the outside of a hunting blind. As an option, the bodyof the device 102 includes a mount 108 such as a mounting clip, amounting magnet, or a mounting band. Elongated tube 104 can have alength greater than about five to fifteen times the length of the tankthat holds the liquid scent material. Tube 104 can have a length ofabout six to thirty-six inches to allow the outlet to be positioned awayfrom the user's mouth. A length of twelve to eighteen inches is providedas one exemplary configuration.

A one-way valve 110 is used to prevent the user from inhaling the vaporproduced by device 102. Valve 110 can be positioned between inlet tube104 and the body of device 102. Valve 110 also can be positioned in thetip 112 of inlet tube 104. Valve 110 also can be carried within the bodyof device 102 upstream of the electric vaporizing coil. Valve 110 allowsthe user's breath to be forced into the body of device 102 but does notallow the vaporized scent to be pulled back into inlet tube 104 in theevent the user's inhales through tube 104.

Inlet tube 104 is sealed to the body of device 102. A tube adapter 120is used to sealingly receive the outer end 122 of inlet tube 104. Valve110 may be disposed against the first end 124 of adapter 120 and theinner surface of outer end 122 of inlet tube 104 can engage valve 110.The portion of adapter 120 that receives outer end 122 of inlet tube 104can define a plurality of concentric recesses 126 that help grip theinner surface of outer end 122 or can hold an adhesive or epoxy toconnect the two elements. A filter 128 can be used to reduce oreliminate scents from the user's breath before the user's breath is usedto distribute the vapor from device 102.

A vaporizing coil 130 is in fluid communication with inlet tube 104 sothat the breath flow passes through or around vaporizing coil 130.Vaporizing coil 130 is electrically connected through a switch 132 or anairflow sensor 133 to a power source 134. Power source 134 can be abattery carried by the body. The battery can be a disposable battery ora rechargeable battery. Switch 132 is an on/off switch that completesthe electrical circuit to between power source 134 and vaporizing coil130. When the electrical circuit is complete, vaporizing coil 130 iscapable of vaporizing a liquid hunting scent material to a vapor that isreadily carried by the breath flow through outlet 106 defined by thebody. Switch 132 can be moved to the on position where it remains onuntil the user moves switch 132 to the off position. In thisconfiguration, coil 130 is continuously energized and creates vapor aslong as scent liquid material is present in the tank 140. In anotherconfiguration, switch 132 is on only until the user releases switch 132.This type of switch automatically turns the device 102 off and stops thecreation of the vapor shortly after switch 132 is released. Switch 132can be located for actuation by the user's finger or thumb. In theconfigurations depicted in the drawings, switch 132 is carried by powersource 134, but switch 132 also can be disposed on or close to tip 112which is useful when burner 130 is clipped to the user's belt or locatedon a portion of the tree stand or outside of a blind. Locating switch132 near tip 112 also keeps the user's hand away from the vapor beingdistributed by device 102.

In another configuration, sensor 133 can be used to sense the user'sbreath being blown into device 102. When sensor 133 is activated, poweris delivered to coil 130. This allows device 102 to automatically createand distribute vapor when the user blows into device 102. Sensor 133 canbe a pressure sensor, temperature sensor, moisture sensor, airflowsensor, or a motion sensor that detects when valve 110 is opened toallow the user's breath to pass through valve 110. Sensor 133 can be amechanical or electro-mechanical switch. A schematic of an exemplarysensor 133 is depicted in FIG. 24 wherein a biased member is moved intoelectrical contact when the user blows into device 102 and the biasedmember returns to a resting position to break the electrical circuitwhen the airflow stops. The biased member can be a spring or anelastomeric material.

Coil 130 can be located near power source 134 with the user's breathpassing through or around a liquid tank 140 in an airflow channel 142disposed through tank 140 or around tank 140. Alternatively, coil 130can be located between liquid tank 140 and adapter 120 with adapter 120or tank 140 defining outlet 106.

Tank 140 can slide over the second end 144 of adapter 120 and abuts theflange 146 of adapter 120. In one configuration, an insert 148 having aflange 150 is slid into adapter 120 with tank 140 sliding over flange150.

In all of these configurations, the body of device 102 defines a liquidscent material inlet that allows the liquid scent material to be influid communication with the coil 130. A wick can be used to control theflow of the liquid scent material to coil 130. Coil 130 is an electricresistive heating-style element (burner coil) that creates heat whenelectric current is passed through coil 130. The wick limits the amountof liquid that is brought into contact or proximity with coil 130. Thewick can be a screen having small openings or an absorbent material thatdraws the liquid to coil 130.

Liquid tank 140 that carries the liquid scent material that is vaporizedinto an airborne vapor that can be used as described below as a luredesigned to attract hunting game, as a game repellant, as a scenteliminator, or as an air freshener. Liquid tank 140 can be in the formof a removable and replaceable tank that can carry burner 130 or beseparable from burner 130 or liquid tank 140 can be refillable with asealable fill inlet. Liquid tank 140 can threadedly receive burner 130and liquid tank 140 can be threaded to power source 134.

In each of the embodiments describe above, the liquid scent materialthat is being vaporized is a combination of a glycol substance with anaromatic material. The aromatic material can be a solid or liquid animallure substance. The glycol substance can be a propylene glycol, avegetable glycerin, a combination of both, and/or a combination of thesewith water. The animal lure aromatic material can be a liquid or solidanimal urine or glandular secretion. The solid materials can be made bydehydration. In any of these combinations, water can be added as needed.The dehydrated urine can be formed by freeze drying, flash drying liquidurine, or otherwise dehydrating the liquid urine to form the additive tothe glycol. The aromatic material can be designed to repel animals orinsects such as a predator smell or a citronella. The aromatic materialcan be a pleasant-smelling material that one can use to freshen room airor an automobile. These aromatic materials can be clean-smellingmaterials, flower-based materials, fruit-based materials,pleasant-smelling food materials, pleasant-smelling outdoor smells,spices, tropical smells, and others enjoyable to human users. These canbe provided as oils or powders and mixed with the glycol.

The liquid scent material also can be a vaporizable material thatfunctions to eliminate or reduce scent. The vaporizable liquid scentmaterial includes a percentage of carbon, charcoal, activated carbon, orcoconut shell activated carbon, or palm kernel shell charcoal or acombination of these substances. The combination of these substanceswith a vaporizable material such as the glycol materials disclosed aboveallow a scent elimination substance to be generated to be used by ahunter to eliminate or reduce scents that can alert game to the hunter'spresence.

The device has the advantage of only vaporizing the liquid scentmaterial on-demand. The device does not waste the liquid scent materialby continuously vaporizing unless the user selects continuous operationas an option. The device will function in cold weather and the vaporizedglycol-based vapor substance hangs in the air and does not distributeitself in the air as fast as other scent materials. The electric heatingelement does not create any additional fuel scent through a combustionprocess. The removable and replaceable cartridges keep the scent freshand allow the user to readily refill the device without skin contactwith the scent liquid. There is also no risk of spilling the liquid.

The body defines an outlet for the vapor and breath flow. The outlet canbe a single outlet. The outlet also can be a plurality of small holesdisposed in the sidewall of the body around the perimeter of the body.An extended outlet tube can be used to direct the breath flow and vaporaway from the body of the device.

In each of the electric-powered embodiments describe above, the liquidscent material that is being vaporized can be a combination of a glycolsubstance with an aromatic material or a scent-elimination material. Thearomatic material can be a solid or liquid animal lure substance. Theglycol substance can be a propylene glycol, a vegetable glycerin, acombination of both, and/or a combination of these with water. Theanimal lure aromatic material can be a liquid or solid animal urine orglandular secretion. The solid materials can be made by dehydration. Inany of these combinations, water can be added as needed. The dehydratedurine can be formed by freeze drying, flash drying liquid urine, orotherwise dehydrating the liquid urine to form the additive to theglycol. The aromatic material can be designed to repel animals orinsects and can thus be a predator smell or a citronella. The aromaticmaterial can be a cover scent used by a hunter to cover his scent whenentering or leaving a hunt area. The aromatic material can be apleasant-smelling material that one can use to freshen room air or anautomobile. These aromatic materials can be clean-smelling materials,flower-based materials, fruit-based materials, pleasant-smelling foodmaterials, pleasant-smelling outdoor smells, spices, tropical smells,and others enjoyable to human users. These can be provided as oils orpowders and mixed with the glycol.

Devices 102 have the advantage of only vaporizing the liquid scentmaterial on demand. The device does not waste the liquid scent materialby continuously vaporizing unless the user selects continuous operationas an option. The device will function in cold weather and the vaporizedglycol-based vapor substance hangs in the air and does not distributeitself in the air as fast as other scent materials. The electric heatingelement does not create any additional fuel scent through a combustionprocess. The removable and replaceable cartridges keep the scent freshand allow the user to readily refill the device without skin contactwith the scent liquid. There is also no risk of spilling the liquid. Theuser can program the device to automatically freshen the scent atintervals.

One method of using devices 102 is to provide device with a repellantscent that drives game away from the scent. Devices 102 are then usedalong a boundary or in an area such as a user's yard wherein the userdoes not want the game to cross or to congregate. The repellant materialcan include the scent of a predator, a soap, a human, a dog, or thelike. The user can set a scent fence line of vaporized scents. Thiscreates a scent barrier than helps keep game from passing through thearea. This configuration of the device can be used to deter game such asdeer from entering a garden area or a landscaped area where the deerfeed on the plantings.

Another use for devices 102 is to provide a vaporizable material indevices 102 that reduces or eliminates scent particles from the air thatis exposed to the vaporized material. This device is used for scentelimination. The disclosure provides a vaporizable mixture that includesa percentage of carbon, charcoal, activated carbon, or coconut shellactivated carbon, or palm kernel shell charcoal or a combination ofthese substances. The combination of these substances with a vaporizablematerial such as the glycol materials discussed above allow a scentelimination substance to be generated to be used by a hunter toeliminate or reduce scents that can alert game to the hunter's presence.

An optional alternative use for the device is to attach a scentcartridge to the device that creates a pleasant smelling vapor for usein deodorizing a vehicle, a house, clothing, and the like. An advantagehere is that by using the removable cartridge, there is no deer urinescent left on the device when a pleasant smelling scent is installed.This is especially true when the cartridges carry their own burnercoils. As such, the same device used to distribute the deer urine smellcan also be used to distribute a pleasant smelling vapor—such as avanilla—for the hunter's vehicle on the drive home.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because suchterms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadlyconstrued. Moreover, the descriptions and illustrations of the exemplaryconfigurations are examples and the claimed invention is not limited tothe exact details shown or described. Throughout the description andclaims of this specification the words “comprise” and “include” as wellas variations of those words, such as “comprises,” “includes,”“comprising,” and “including” are not intended to exclude additives,components, integers, or steps.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A scent material distribution device thatuses a person's exhaled breath as an airflow that distributes the scentmaterial from the device; the device comprising: a body having an inletand an outlet; the body defining an airflow channel extending from theinlet to the outlet; a liquid scent material tank carried by the body;an electric burner adapted to rapidly vaporize liquid scent materialfrom the liquid scent material tank when the electric burner isenergized; a one-way valve disposed along the airflow channel betweenthe inlet and the electric burner; the one-way valve allowing exhaledbreath to flow from the inlet to the outlet; the one-way valvepreventing vaporized liquid scent material from being inhaled throughthe inlet; and a power source selectively connectable to the electricburner to energize the burner.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein theoutlet is disposed between the power source and the liquid scentmaterial tank.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the power source isremovable and replaceable.
 4. The device of claim 1, further comprisinga power switch activatable by the user between first and secondconditions; the first condition of the power switch energizing theelectric burner; and the second condition of the power switchde-energizing the electric burner.
 5. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising a sensor in fluid communication with the airflow channel; thesensor configured to energize the electric burner in response to airflowthrough the airflow channel.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein thevaporizable liquid scent material carried within the liquid scentmaterial tank includes at least one of an animal lure aromatic material,a scent elimination material, and a hunting cover scent and at least oneof a propylene glycol and a vegetable glycerin; the animal lure aromaticmaterial including at least one of an animal urine material and aglandular secretion material.
 7. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising an elongated flexible tube in fluid communication with theinlet of the body, the elongated flexible tube adapted to deliver theexhaled breath to the inlet.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein theliquid scent material tank is removable and replaceable.
 9. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the liquid scent material tank is refillable.